Habakkuk 3:17-18 reads, “Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Do you share his spirit? No matter what happens, I will rejoice in the Lord. It’s a pretty bold statement—one that’s often hard for us to live out. The world can toss out some pretty tough stuff, and we don’t always feel happy. We don’t always feel safe. We don’t always feel like worshiping.
Worship is a discipline. It doesn’t always come naturally, and it doesn’t always come easily. At the same time, it is not optional. Worship leader Matt Redman writes:
Sometimes it comes down to a simple choice. We may be hard-pressed on every side, weary and not able to sense God. But then a choice faces us—to fix our eyes on the circumstances or to cling to God and choose to worship Him, even when it hurts. The heart of God loves the offerings of a persevering worshiper. Though overwhelmed by many troubles, they are even more overwhelmed by the beauty of God (The Unquenchable Worshipper, 23-24).
If you find that you are not overwhelmed by the beauty of God, can I offer an explanation? Perhaps your eyes aren’t fixed on the Person they should be. You can’t see God’s beauty if the only person you are looking at is yourself. I know from experience; worship can be hard.
So, here are a few suggestions that you might find helpful in your journey:
1. Do not miss corporate worship. In other words, go to church. How do you expect to become a better worshiper if you don’t consistently surround yourself with other worshipers? (And, don’t forget to come on time…you may miss something that might be critical to understanding corporate worship for the morning if you miss what is said or done at the beginning.)
2. Remember that worship is about all of you—not just your heart, not just your mind, not just your body. It should involve all of those things. So, think about what you’re singing, reading, listening, watching, etc. Let yourself know that it’s okay to involve your emotions, and it’s acceptable to involve your body. (If you need more room to move around, sit on the aisle. If you’re worried about what the people around you will think, keep practicing. It takes time to feel comfortable with things that may be out of your comfort zone. If you’re not wanting people around you to hear you singing loudly, move to the front. There are basic things you can do to help yourself become a better worshiper!)
3. Pray about it. Seize times to worship throughout the week. Get into the Word and learn more about who God is. Don’t forget that our worship is about and for our Lord Almighty—and that’s the bottom line.
Lacey Phillips
Worship Minister
222.2529 ext.118
lacey@madisonparkchurch.com
